Report: Bucks to offer Eric Bledsoe max contract, interested in Greivis Vasquez
Tap here to access our NBA Tracker, which includes offseason rumors, trades and signings.
The Milwaukee Bucks have gone an entire year without making a splashy offseason acquisition, and have apparently decided that the wait is over.
Last July, the Bucks looked to restock a playoff team with the additions of Brandon Knight, Gary Neal, Carlos Delfino, Zaza Pachulia and O.J. Mayo. The result? A league-worst record of 15-67.
But this July, the Bucks are reportedly determined to take another swing in free agency, this time firmly set on upgrading at the point.
In addition to weighing possible trade for Lin, I'm told Bucks are pitching offer sheet to RFA Eric Bledsoe and pursuing PG Greivis Vasquez
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 5, 2014
Let's run down the names one by one.
Houston guard Jeremy Lin is in need of a change of scenery, and the Rockets would be more than happy to offload his salary (he's due nearly $15 million next season). Lin is only 24, and has consistently proven to be one of the league's best at driving to the basket. He averaged 12.5 points, 2.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game last season. Also, not to be discounted, Lin is immensely popular, and would attract attention to the Bucks, who ranked third last in the NBA in attendance last season.
Eric Bledsoe is also an intriguing option. The 24-year-old restricted free agent is coming off a season in which he averaged 17.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game as part of a two-point guard combination with Goran Dragic. Bledsoe profiles as an extremely athletic guard with plenty of star potential, and for that reason, Suns GM Ryan McDonough has publicly stated that his team will match any offers floated Bledsoe's way.
Finally, restricted free agent Greivis Vasquez represents the least pricey option. Not only is he older (27) than Lin and Bledsoe, Vasquez also has a number of shortcomings stemming from his lack of foot-speed. He does, however, stand at 6-foot-6, and is only one season removed from leading the league in total assists. He averaged 9.6 points and 4.1 assists per game with the Sacramento Kings and Toronto Raptors last season.